- Offer water in adequate quantity for the number and type of animals on your property.
- At least two feet of accessible linear water space is needed per 10 head of cattle.

- Make sure that watering devices are spaced appropriately and located away from stream banks.

- Watering devices should be easily accessible by animals.- Strategic placement of watering devices can influence grazing, compaction and nutrient deposition patterns.
- Avoid using pond water as a drinking source if possible.  Recent research has shown that heifers with access to water pumped from a well or spring gained 23 percent more weight than heifers drinking pond water.
- Clean watering devices frequently.
- Test the water on your property for contaminants.  Your county extension agent or beef cattle consultant can help you develop a testing plan and identify an appropriate laboratory.

But it’s what you can’t see that makes Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3 poultry feed truly unique. It’s made with flaxseed, which not only supports a healthy flock, but also provides enhanced nutrients in their eggs. While a typical egg provides a mere 65mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, an egg produced by healthy poultry fed exclusively on Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3 poultry feed contains 200mg of Omega-3.

And like all Purina® SunFresh® Recipe poultry feeds, you can rest assured Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3 poultry feed contains no added hormones, antibiotics, animal fat or animal by-products. Just wholesome goodness for a delicious, homegrown egg.

*When fed a diet of Layena® Plus Omega-3 exclusively for at least 3 weeks. Based on large egg (50g). Results may vary with factors such as total diet and hen health.

Feed Form: Pellets

How and When to Feed:

1. Feed Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3 pellets free-choice as the sole ration to free-range and confined laying chickens (including backyard egg producers, small to medium breeds and show and ornamentals) after 18 weeks of age and throughout the laying cycle.
2. Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3 pellets are best fed one month before hens begin to lay, but not any earlier than 18 weeks of age.
3. Purina® Layena® Plus Omega-3 pellets can be fed to both adult male and female chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys.
4. Always provide shelter and a constant supply of fresh, clean water.
5. Consumption will vary depending upon season of the year, nutritional needs of the animals and availability of other foods.

Important:
A feeding program is only as effective as the management practices. Actual results can vary depending upon feed intake, environmental conditions and the quality of management practices.

As the New Year approaches, so does time for celebrations and fireworks. Fireworks are a celebratory gesture, but many people don’t realize the implications they may have on animals. 

According to Dr. Audrey Cook, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), most pets are startled by fireworks and experience some degree of anxiety because of the unfamiliar loud noises and flashes of light they portray. 

Aside from anxiety and fear, some pets can experience physical pains from firework encounters. 

“A direct injury from a firework is unlikely, but could happen,” explains Cook. “In fact, the most common problems we see reflect the pet’s desperate efforts to escape from perceived danger. Cats may hide and run away and be injured in the process. Dogs may also hurt themselves trying to get away from the noise.” 

“Any injured pet should be examined by a veterinarian,” notes Cook. “Particularly worrying injuries would include anything on the face, mouth, or eyes. Bleeding wounds or burns should be loosely covered by a clean napkin to reduce further damage or infection before medical help is provided.” 

Cook recommends approaching an injured pet with care as it can sometimes bite due to fear and pain. The best thing to do is to move slowly and gently wrap the injured pet in a blanket to provide some reassurance and to reduce the risk of biting. 

If your pet experiences anxiety from fireworks the best strategy is to simply act normal, because if you change your behavior your pet will notice. This will only reinforce its fears as your body language and behavior can tell your pet a lot. 

“Easing their fears is difficult, and sometimes we actually increase anxiety when we try to reassure a frightened dog or cat,” said Cook. “Our reaction tells them that fear is appropriate and we can actually heighten their response if we make a big fuss.” 

According to Cook desensitization – meaning getting your pet used to fireworks – is not a very effective approach. 

“It is very hard to desensitize a dog or cat to the noise of fireworks, as these are distinct and rarely encountered,” notes Cook. “It is probably more effective to protect your pet from the noise or train it to focus on you when any loud noises occur.” 

“The best strategies include trying to block out the noise with loud music on the television, or providing a distraction like a favorite toy,” notes Cook. “If you behave as though nothing is wrong and instead engage your pet in a game or training exercise, it may deduce that there is no cause for anxiety.” 

In case of a severe phobia, your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication or sedative for your pet. However, it should only be used if there is no other way to calm your pet down during these times. It is also wise to give the medication about one hour before the fireworks are expected; waiting to give the pill when the animal is anxious may limit its effect. 

The best way to avoid any anxiety from fireworks is to keep your pets inside or on a leash away and distracted from the sights and sounds of New Year’s Eve. Any place where they most feel safe is preferable for your pets. 

 This article is courtesy of the Texas A&M University website.

ABOUT PET TALK

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.

A cow’s forage intake is crucial to obtaining optimal forage utilization. Two factors that influence forage intake are rumen fill (or rumen capacity) and the rate of passage of forage types through the cow’s digestive system. The rumen is like a bucket with limited capacity. When it is full, the cow will stop eating until the rumen empties enough for her to consume more forage.

The rate of passage of the forage through the rumen depends upon the quality of the forage, the health and populations of the microbes that inhabit the rumen and aid in digestion, the rumen environment (whether or not it supplies the nutrients and energy the microbes need to work), and the total feeding program. The higher quality the forage, the easier it is for the “bugs” to digest, the faster the rate of passage, and the higher the intake. Rumen microbes play an important role in the cow’s digestive process by helping the cow’s body break down and utilize the nutritional components of forage. These microbes are living microscopic organisms and need certain elements to be present in the total diet in order for them to function efficiently.

Poor quality forage contains less nutrients to feed the microbes and is more difficult for them to break down. Its rate of passage is slower and when the rumen is full, the cow will stop eating even though her nutritional needs are not met. Forage utilization decreases; production efficiency is negatively affected. For dormant winter pasture, daily intake can range from 1.3% to 1.8% of body weight. Winter forage is also often fibrous, lignified (more difficult to digest) and low in nutrients.

Feeding supplement when forage is fair to poor quality is often viewed by cattle producers as an expense but in fact should be looked at as an investment that will bring higher returns. Supplementing provides the nutrients lacking in poor quality forage enabling the rumen microbes to perform more efficiently in digesting poor quality forage, thereby increasing forage intake and the nutrients available to the cow. The results are more efficient use of available forage sources and enhanced forage digestibility. Cattlemen make a profit by getting as much use of their land and forage as they can. Supplementing poorer quality forage sources gets more of the rancher’s grass into the cattle, improving forage utilization and production efficiency.

Increased Forage Utilization by Supplementing

*4 lbs. of a Purina 20% balanced protein/energy range supplement

** Grass/hay quality of 5.5% crude protein and 42% TDN

The above study looks at how the concept of forage utilization translates on a per cow basis. The study represents a 1,000-pound cow in late gestation to early lactation on a typical winter feeding program of dormant grass pasture, hay or both. The forage has a crude protein value of 5.5% and a TDN of 42%. The cow was fed 4 pounds of Purina 20% balanced protein/energy supplement according to feeding directions, daily. Forage intake increased from 18 pounds/head/day to 21 pounds/head/day. The cow was being stimulated to consume more dormant grass because her rumen microbe population had the nutrients needed to efficiently digest the poorer quality forage. Digestible forage intake increased from 7.3 pounds to 10.6 pounds.

The cow on supplemented forage is receiving 45% more nutrients from the available grass to help her meet increasing nutritional needs during late gestation and lactation. Let’s look at an example of the true value of feeding poor quality grass or hay to lactating cows.

This study demonstrates that lactating cows without supplement on poor quality grass/hay receive only 1.0 pounds of protein and 7.6 pounds of TDN when they need 1.9 pounds of protein and 10.8 pounds of TDN for optimum production. Losses show up in the areas of reduced body condition at calving and during rebreeding, prolonged returns to estrus, lower herd conception rates, decreased milk production for calves and less than optimum weaning weights for calves of malnourished dams. With effective supplementing, additional forage intake alone provides 1.2 pounds of protein and 8.8 pounds of TDN.

Nutrient Value To the Lactating Cow When Dormant Grass Is Supplemented

A supplemented cow gets 63% of the protein she needs and 81.5% of the energy she needs just by increasing her intake of low quality forage. However, she can’t do this without a supplement. The nutritional value of a Purina range product combined with her increased capacity for forage gives her 100% of her nutritional requirements for optimum production.

Nutrient Value To the Cow When Dormant Grass Is Supplemented

We have briefly touched on the necessity of meeting microbial population needs in order to stimulate forage digestibility, rate of forage passage, and increased intake. Why does this occur in the rumen and what are the needs of the microbial population?

Rumen microbes need a specific environment in order to operate efficiently. They must receive proper levels of minerals, ammonia and energy. Minerals act as catalysts in some digestive reactions, ammonia provides the protein form that microbes need to reproduce and grow, and energy supplies the microbes with the fuel needed to effectively withdraw and synthesize nutrients from the forage for the cow. When forage quality is poor, feed intake decreases because the forage cannot supply: the minerals needed to aid in the transport and synthesis of nutrients; the energy needed to increase the numbers and viability of the rumen microbes; and the energy to fuel digestive reactions.

Examples of limiting minerals in poor quality forages include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, salts, copper and zinc. Purina range products are formulated to provide the balance of these nutrients necessary to meet production requirements and keep cows in good condition.

Ammonia. The amount of ammonia available in a cow’s total diet, provided by natural protein or by urea, is critical to the health and population of rumen microbes. Research has shown that ammonia requirements for maximum microbe synthesis to be 3 to 5 mg/100 ml of rumen fluid. A study done at New Mexico State shows that unsupplemented steers had rumen ammonia levels substantially below this level.

Ruminal Ammonia Concentration As Influenced By Protein Supplementation In Steers Grazing Dormant Blue Grama Rangeland

New Mexico Data

Ammonia levels below 3 to 5 mg/100 ml of rumen fluid reduce maximum microbial synthesis.

Organic Matter Intake As Influenced By Protein Supplementation in Steers Grazing Dormant Blue Grama Rangeland

Forage intake in an unsupplemented steer is limited as ammonia was limited to meet microbial needs thus decreasing rate of passage and resulting in rumen fill. Contrast this limitation to forage intake in a supplemented steer. Proper supplementation directly translates to an increased forage intake of 25%. The rumen empties faster because the microbes are more efficient and the cow can eat more forage to meet her needs.

Energy supplementation versus protein supplementation alone

Is supplementing with additional protein enough or is energy equally important? Following are results from a study at the Purina Research Center.

The Need For Energy

This study involved feeding cows 2 pounds of cottonseed meal, 4 pounds of cottonseed meal or 4 pounds of a Purina cube. The amount of protein available was the same in the 2 pounds of cottonseed meal and the 4 pounds of Purina cube (0.8 pounds per head per day of protein). The 4 pounds of cottonseed meal provided twice that amount; 1.6 pounds per head per day of protein.

Cows lost 40 pounds more on cottonseed meal than on the Purina cube. Even doubling the amount of cottonseed meal did not bring its quality as a supplement up to the performance rate of the Purina cube. Why? The primary difference between the two was the level of energy. Purina’s cube contained the proper balance of energy necessary to utilize the forage to its fullest potential. This resulted in improved performance.

This means that, though protein provided to the cow was equal with 2 pounds of cottonseed meal or 4 pounds of Purina Cube 2N, there was not enough energy delivered to the cow from the 2 pounds of cottonseed meal to limit cow weight loss and maintain milk production for the calf. Even doubling the amount of cottonseed meal to 4 pounds per head per day did not bring its quality as a supplement up to the performance rate of 4 pounds of a 20% Purina Cube 2N.

Purina Research Center trials summarize the real benefit of correct protein and energy supplementation and its impact on grass/hay utilization and animal performance.

The trials were conducted January through May. Two groups of cows were used in the trials and both groups were late gestation or early lactation. Calving began in early March. One group was fed free choice hay or pasture and the other group was fed free choice hay or pasture supplemented with 4 pounds of 20% protein Purina cattle supplement. The crude protein for the free choice forage available to both groups was 6.5%.

Purina 20% Supplement Versus No Supplement

Forage intake increased by 18.8% in the supplemented cows. More total nutrients were obtained form the available forage source, than when that forage was not supplemented. Cow weight loss was about 100 pounds less when cows were supplemented. The feed conversion on the Purina product equaled 4:1.

This research also demonstrates that cows that are not supplemented and are on nutritionally inadequate forage do not perform to their potential production capability. Nutrient deficiencies in the forage that are not corrected by the proper supplementation extended the time to first estrus, delayed rebreeding and reduced weight gains in calves. Supplementing nutritionally deficient forage produced an average of 9 pounds more calf per cow/calf pair in the study.

The bottom line in supplementing is that the balanced mineral, protein and energy contained in a quality Purina supplement improve forage utilization enabling cattlemen to receive more value and profit potential from their operation. Production efficiency is improved as supplemented cows improve body condition, return to estrus more quickly, increase conception rates and deliver more pounds of marketable calves at weaning.

Cattle give land its economic value. It is good business sense for cattlemen to ensure that their land is able to yield its full potential to produce cattle. With proper supplementing and management practices, it is possible to do this even when cattle are grazing dormant winter grass.

Feeding a quality Purina range supplement improves the utilization of forage and increases a cow’s daily intake of low quality forage making more efficient use of resources. Feeding to achieve more marketable pounds of beef per acre represents a strategic business decision and the best possible return on investment.

Dr. Lee Dickerson, Jr.

All warm-blooded animals have a critical temperature. This is the temperature below which the animal must produce additional heat to maintain normal body temperature. Mature horses in good flesh have a critical temperature around 30° F during early winter. After developing a winter coat and gaining 100 pounds, the critical temperature drops to 15° F. It is estimated that young horses, horses in thinner condition and those that have not developed a winter coat, may have a critical temperature around 40° F. When wet, windy conditions are present, the critical temperatures will be higher as well. In order to produce extra body heat, an increase in feed energy is required. Horses will require an estimated 15 – 20% more calories for each 10° F the ambient temperature falls below critical temperature. However, thin horses or horses with short hair may need even greater increases in dietary intake to maintain normal body temperature.

It is important that horses come into winter carrying enough body condition. The additional body fat serves as insulation and energy reserves in times when the thermometer dips below the critical temperature. Once cold weather sets in, it is difficult to put weight on horses. Thin horses get colder and use so much energy trying to stay warm, there often aren’t enough calories left for weight gain. Young horses and broodmares in late gestation, may not be able to consume enough of a high fiber diet, such as hay, due to restrictions in digestive system capacity. These horses must have access to good quality, highly digestible feeds in order to meet the additional energy requirements due to cold weather and higher production levels.

Historically, horsemen have often changed their rations from summer to winter to accommodate increased calorie needs. Typically, this is done by increasing the amount of hay and changing from oats to corn or a sweet feed. Feeding additional hay provides extra calories and also helps maintain body temperature due to the internal heat produced during digestion of fiber. The change from oats to corn or a sweet feed is based on the impression that corn or sweet feed is a “hotter” feed than oats. This concept of oats being a summer feed and corn a winter ration has some merit, but also has some flaws.

Nutritionally, oats and corn compare as follows:

Fiber,%    Protein,%

Oats    10.7    11.8    1200
Corn    2.2    9.0    1500

One pound of corn has more energy and is lower in protein and fiber than one pound of oats. Not only does corn have more energy per pound than oats, corn also weighs more per unit of volume. One scoop full of corn has about 45% more calories than the same scoop full of whole oats. This has led to the idea that corn is a “hotter” feed than oats. Actually, because of the higher fiber level in oats, oats produce more internal heat during digestion than corn, it just takes more oats to provide enough calories.

Corn or oats alone can provide adequate calories but not adequate protein, vitamin or minerals. The best option for the horse year-round is a nutritionally balanced diet of good quality hay and a high-quality, well fortified commercial feed. During the winter months, provide as much shelter as possible, especially from wind and wet weather, and
Calories/lb increase feed intake to help maintain body condition. Then as warmer weather arrives, continue to feed the nutritionally balanced diet, simply reduce the amount fed. When a well balanced feed is used, the only adjustments necessary are to increase or decrease the amount fed, depending on body condition or energy demand.

Monitoring water intake is another very important consideration during winter weather. Mature horses in temperate climates will normally drink from 5 – 8 gallons of water per day. Increasing the amount of hay in the diet will increase the water consumption, up to 9 or 10 gallons of water with an all-hay diet. During cold weather, water intake can decline dramatically. Increased hay intake combined with decreased water intake contributes to the risk of impaction colic. This is especially a problem when horses are kept in stalls for several days due to inclement weather because confinement tends to slow intestinal motility. In cold weather, water should be kept fresh and free of ice to insure adequate intake and horses exercised whenever possible. Also, adding one or two ounces of salt to the feed may stimulate water consumption.

By Karen E. Davison, Ph.D., Managing Equine Nutritionist, Purina Mills, LLC

• Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Frozen water in outside bowls is a common winter hazard, so check it often and use a plastic bowl instead of a metal one (remember “The Christmas Story!”). Your dog will thank you. Heated water bowls are available if necessary.

• Bring Fido inside during sub-zero temperatures and winter storms. Even though most dogsgrow a winter coat to help protect them from the cold, their natural environment is not in temperatures that are sub-zero! If left outside for an extended period without protection, they can get frostbite (especially on the pads of the feet, ears and tail) or even freeze to death. If dogs are housed outdoors during the winter, make sure they have adequate insulated shelter to protect them from the wind and moisture.

• Keep poisons away – Antifreeze is deadly! Dogs enjoy the sweet taste of this necessary toxic substance. Take care to clean up drips and spills and store it out of reach. If ingested, get your pet to the vet immediately. Beautiful winter poinsettias are also toxic to pets.

• Keep your pet’s paws clean and dry. Chemical de-icers and salt can cause paw discomfort and can result in cracking and bleeding of the foot pads. Snow and ice can also accumulate between your pet’s toes, causing pain as well as bleeding and sores.

• Avoid over-bathing. Too many baths during the winter months can strip the natural oils from your pet and result in dry, itchy skin. It is better to limit baths to when it is absolutely necessary and simply spot-clean your pet when possible.

• Feed a premium food. Proper nutrition is always important, especially if your dog is housed outdoors. When temperatures are colder, outside dogs will generally need more food to help keep their bodies warm.  Inside dogs may need less food if their activity level is significantly cut back due to extreme weather conditions.

Keeping these precautions in mind, and making necessary preparations as winter approaches, will ensure that your pet will remain naturally healthy and happy as we welcome another new year.

Purina Deer Feeds

People often want to feed deer what is handy, which might be sheep, goat, dairy, or even horse feeds. The problem is these feeds are not formulated for deer, do not meet their specific needs, and may even cause problems.

Sheep are very intolerant of dietary copper, so sheep feeds and, traditionally, most goat feeds contain very low levels of copper. They are also usually lower in protein than what deer will need. Deer, and elk, too, have fairly high copper requirements. Feed meant for sheep will be deficient in copper and most other trace minerals for deer and elk, and will likely not provide enough protein for optimal antler growth.

Commercial dairy feeds are formulated to maximize milk production, which has very different nutrient requirements than antler growth. These feeds do not have the proper starch-to-fiber ratio or the trace mineral fortification required for superior antler growth.

Horse feeds, especially textured feeds such as grain mixes, will be too high in soluble (starchy) carbohydrates for deer, inviting problems with acidosis and founder. The protein level also will not be high enough to provide for maximal antler growth. Again, the feed is designed for an animal with a different digestive tract and different production goals than deer.

If you want big, healthy deer that can achieve their genetic potential for antler growth, you need to feed a high-quality feed designed specifically for deer. Anything less will give you just that: less.

Deer

Body Condition Scoring allows you to monitor the health and condition of your deer. Optimal Body Condition in bucks will allow for greater antler growth. Does will be more fertile: produce more high-quality milk, resulting in healthier, faster growing fawns. The Purina Mills Body Condition Scoring System allows you to visually score your deer based on fat coverage on several key body areas. Ideal Body Condition Scores lies between 3-4 (can be as high as 4.5 just prior to the rut, especially in bucks).

1. POOR – Deer is emaciated.  Majority of ribs are prominent during summer and visible but less distinct in winter.  Spine appears sharp with a steep muscle angle and prominent sawtooth appearance form the side.  Hip bone is clearly visible with sharp edges, surrounded by sunken muscles at the rump. Tail head is devoid of fat and framed by deep sunken depressions on each side, resulting in sharp looking pin bones. Belly is tucked high with hollow flanks and a sharp shelf.  Brisket is thin and narrow.
2. LEAN – Deer is thin.  Many ribs visible but not prominent during summer.  In winter, ribs are slightly prominent. Spine is evident but not sharp, with somewhat steep muscle angle and mild sawtooth side appearance.  Hip bone is clearly seen, with sharp edges and sightly sunken rump muscles.  Tail head displays sunken depressions on each side, with sharp pin bones and a small amount of observable fat.
3. PRIME – Deer is strong, muscular and healthy.  Ribs should be slightly visible but not sharp during warmer months.  Ribs are nicely covered in flesh and not visible in winter..  Spine is visible, but not prominent, and surrounded by moderately sloping muscles.  No “sawtoothing” of the spine is visible.  Rump clearly visible but not sharp, featuring flat, angular muscles.  Tail head reflects slight hollows at either side, rounded pin bone and a small bit of fat.  Belly has a slight depression with slight shelf and lean appearance with no fat rolls.  Slightly rounded brisket.
4. HEAVY – Deer is healthy, but carrying a few extra pounds, considered normal and healthy prior to rut.  Ribs are not visible.  Sine is not readily seen, with adjoining muscles rising at a gentle slope.  Hips are full with hip bone barely visible.  Slight depression can be seen beside tail head.  Pin bones appear rounded and smooth.  Flank is full with no shelf.  Slight fat rolls developing. Brisket appears full and rounded.
5. OBESE – Does may have reproductive problems. Ribs are layered in fat.  Spine lies buried in fat, surrounded by rounding muscles with little to no slope.  Hip bone is hidden by fat.  Rump appears full and overly round.  Tail head is covered with rounding at each side, pin bones are buried in fat. Belly is distended, with full flank and no shelf.  Fat rolls are clearly evident at the midline and brisket.